At SeedSprint, We’re always on the lookout for disruptive innovation in industries like biotech, medtech, chemical and materials, energy, and beyond. Here are five innovations that caught our attention this fall.

(1) Secure AI Labs 

MIT spinout Secure AI Labs (SAIL) has created a platform that encourages greater collaboration in the healthcare industry. The platform enables organizations to share encrypted patient data protected by SAIL’s AI algorithm. In the end, innovations like SAIL invite broader healthcare discoveries powered by larger, cross-functional data sets that don’t compromise om patient privacy.

(2) Tia

Female-led healthcare company Tia is revolutionizing women’s health with its holistic healthcare service offerings. Tia offers comprehensive primary care, mental health, and gynecology services both in-person and virtually. The company recently raised a $100 million Series B, which the company will use to scale its geographic and demographic reach. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Tia soon!

(3) Amazon’s Astro

Amazon’s first home robot, Astro, is an interactive surveillance technology intended to monitor your home while you are away. Astro’s movement is limited to the home and the owner can remotely access its camera and microphone. Amazon plans to bring Astro to market soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

(4) UPS drone delivery

UPS’ Flight Forward drone service recently received government approval to service commercial entities, including hospitals and college campuses. This milestone marks a national adoption of drones as a means of streamlining and maximizing delivery service capabilities. Are residential drone deliveries next? UPS thinks they’re not far off!

(5) Spring Health

April Koh, CEO of mental health platform Spring Health, recently became the youngest female multi-billion-dollar startup leader as the company secured a $190 million Series C. Koh started Spring Health in response to the financial inaccessibility of mental health services and the lack of digital mental health options. Now, she is determined to establish Spring Health as a sustainable public service that offers expansive mental health benefits. We can wait to see what’s next for KOhn and her team.

Innovation happens fast and it can be difficult to keep up with all the exciting developments happening every day. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates on the latest in innovation and more from our community.

The post Tech we’re excited about this fall: from home robots to AI-driven mental healthcare appeared first on seedsprint.

In this installment of ‘Emerging technology startups profiled on seedsprint,’ we explore startups developing innovative chemicals and materials across diverse applications from biotechnology to consumer goods to sustainability. Here are some up-and-coming young chemical and materials companies that you’ll find on the SeedSprint platform!

(1) BrightSpec (Focus: Analytical Chemistry; Based in Charlottesville, VA)

BrightSpec’s instruments tap into the power of molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy. MRR complements other techniques such as Mass Spectrometry or NMR, but can also solve problems that these methods can’t. Using breakthrough technology developed by Brooks Pate at the University of Virginia, BrightSpec made this powerful technique significantly faster, cheaper, and easier to use. BrightSpec is in the process of working with leading biotech, chemical, and environmental players to bring innovative solutions to these applied markets. View SeedSprint profile.

(2) Cirrus Materials Science (Focus: Performance Coatings; Based in Auckland, New Zealand)

Cirrus Materials Science develops stronger, more environmentally-friendly materials. The company’s low energy, low impact processes require minimal transition effort for clients and offer maximum performance benefits for products. Because of their innovative processes, Cirrus Materials Science is always ahead of the curve on environmental and sustainability benchmarks. View SeedSprint profile.

(3) Sixonia Tech (Focus: Graphene Formulations; Based in Dresden, Germany)

Sixonia Tech’s E-Graphenes are few-layer, large flake graphene materials that are functionalized and formulated to meet your processing requirements and tailored for perfect interaction with the desired matrix system. Graphene is a promising material and has many applications, including in polymers or ink formulations. Sixonia Tech identifies the most suitable E-Graphene for the specific application and develops the right material form and properties for perfect integration into a number of applications. View SeedSprint profile.

(4) HyMet Thermal Interfaces (Focus: Electronics Materials; Based in Riga, Latvia)

HyMet offers a new class of thermal interface materials with high thermal anisotropy, excellent conformability, and a high level of customizability. The technology has applications in computing, telecom, e-mobility, and consumer goods. HyMet focuses on physics rather than chemistry, meaning it has tremendous design freedom to spread heat, deform plastics, wet surfaces, and much more. View SeedSprint profile.

(5) NS Nanotech (Focus: Semiconductors; Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan)

NS Nanotech develops innovative Nano-LED Technology. The company’s far-UV ShortWaveLight™ Emitters are the world’s first semiconductors to produce invisible, short-wavelength ultraviolet light that researchers say inactivates coronavirus while posing less risk of harm to skin and eyes than longer-wavelength light. Their nano-LEDs will be used in the coming generation of micro-LED displays for brighter, ultra-high-resolution, greater energy efficiency, and very small display sizes without sacrificing performance. View SeedSprint profile.

(6) Fairbrics (Focus: Synthetic Textiles; Based in Clichy, France)

The fashion industry produced almost 5% of manmade CO2 emissions in 2015 – more than aviation and shipping combined. Synthetic fiber production accounts for around 40% of total fashion industry emissions. Fairbrics is developing the first synthetic fiber with a net positive impact on climate change and is capable of meeting the demand of the market. The company is setting up a pilot plant to be able to scale the technology and will open an industrial plant in a few years capable of producing commercial volumes of polyester fiber. View SeedSprint profile.

(7) Cemvita Factory (Focus: Synthetic Biology; Based in Houston, Texas)

Cemvita Factory applies synthetic biology to reverse climate change, ultimately decarbonizing heavy industries. Cemvita’s vision is for humans to live in harmony with nature. To do so, they are determined to remove one gigaton of CO2 by 2050 – that’s 2.5% of 2020 global emissions. Cemvita partners with companies and applies synthetic biology to help companies on their energy transition journey. View SeedSprint profile.

Young chemical and materials companies like these on SeedSprint are developing cutting-edge technologies applicable across many different fields. Keep an eye out for future installments of ‘Emerging technology startups profiled on SeedSprint’ to discover more game-changing innovations with us!

The post 7 Emerging chemical and materials companies to watch appeared first on seedsprint.

The segment of “Emerging technology startups profiled on SeedSprint” features five life science companies whose tech is innovating treatment and detection efforts in various areas of health, from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases. These companies’ technologies evidence how small, molecular interventions can alter the human life course and display the power of life science R&D in affecting broad, evolutionary change. Read about their impact here!

(1) TargetGene Biotechnologies (Indication(s): Various; Based in Israel)

TargetGene has developed a precise gene-editing platform to treat and cure diseases by permanently editing patients’ DNA. The TargetGene Genome-Editing Engine (TGEE) uses two guide RNAs and allows for greater specificity, safety, and efficiency than existing treatments. As a result, it is possible to treat diseases with only a single treatment as opposed to chronic therapy. At present, Targtene’s TGEE system has been successfully implemented in human cell lines. The company hopes to apply it to human gene therapy soon. View SeedSprint Profile.

(2) Nyrada (Indication(s): Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, and Inflammatory; Based in Australia)

Nyrada is developing novel small molecule drugs for cardiovascular, neuroprotection, and inflammation treatments. The company’s cardiovascular program uses a PCSK9 inhibitor to treat high blood LDL-cholesterol levels in patients who cannot take statin drugs. The neuroprotection program aims to develop a drug that will limit the number of brain cells that die after a stroke or traumatic brain injury, hence reducing the associated long-term disability and improving patient outcomes. Nyrada is also developing drugs to treat inflammation in the cases of peripheral neuropathy and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. View SeedSprint Profile.

(3) PPB Technology (Indication(s): Various; Based in Australia)

PPB Technology has developed CYBERTONGUE®, a device that can detect lactose and proteases in milk samples in a matter of minutes. This allows producers to quickly test their supply to ensure quality and safety for consumption. CYBERTONGUE®’s biosensor technology is currently being expanded to detect other targets, including allergens, hormones, toxins, antibiotics, and biomarkers for various diseases. The company hopes to further develop its technology for applications in environmental monitoring, biosecurity, and health. View SeedSprint Profile.

(4) ADx Neurosciences (Indication(s): Neuroscience; Based in Belgium)

ADx Neurosciences is developing tailor-made biomarker assays to detect neurodegenerative diseases before symptoms appear. Their solutions are designed to fit individual needs and are scalable and suited for clinical use. This allows In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) companies to focus on drug development with the need for specific biomarkers already resolved. ADx’s portfolio includes biomarkers that detect Alzheimer’s pathology, neuronal damage, synapse degeneration, Lewy bodies, and more. The company is currently working towards ISO certification of its antibody production process. View SeedSprint Profile.

(5) Cellestia Biotech (Indication(s): Oncology; Based in Switzerland)

Cellestia is developing therapies to control pathogenic gene expression in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their therapies involve selective inhibition of transcription factors in the cell nucleus which were previously undruggable targets. Recent advances have allowed for the identification of molecule binding pockets in these transcription factors that can be targeted with small molecule drugs. Their lead compound, CB-103, is currently in Phase 2 clinical development and is successfully treating patients with ACC, T-ALL, breast cancer, and rare NOTCH-positive tumors. View SeedSprint Profile.

Now more than ever, amidst Covid-19, the life sciences sector plays an essential role in preserving and improving global health. SeedSprint has a growing number of life science startups and technologies like these, and we are excited to see the impact their tech will continue to make.

Interested in learning more about the thousands of companies and technologies on SeedSprint? Keep an eye out for more segments “Emerging technology startups profiled on SeedSprint!”

The post 5 Young life science companies on SeedSprint appeared first on seedsprint.

Medtech is an exciting field and is one of the fastest-growing sectors on SeedSprint. From wearables to interventional devices, to digital health and beyond, medtech is at the forefront of innovation. Here are six devices that have the potential to diagnose conditions faster, treat disease more accurately, and facilitate overall better health and patient care. 

(1) Articulate Labs (Focus: Orthopedics; Based in Dallas, Texas)

2020 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition semi-finalist and 2019 TechConnect Defense Innovation Award-winning company Articulate Labs is developing the wearable KneeStim device. KneeStim provides personalized, data-driven physical therapy. Worn around the knee, the device uses machine learning to analyze patient movement. Based on these movements, the device responds with directed neuromuscular electrical stimulation. KneeStim provides data to enable more personalized physical therapy that can be performed daily or as needed while being directed remotely by professional therapists. Ultimately, this style of physical therapy is more convenient and has the potential to increase compliance and improve post-surgery outcomes. At present, the KneeStim prototype has undergone a feasibility study. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Articulate Labs! View SeedSprint profile.

(2) Ergosuture (Focus: Surgical; Based in Boston, Massachusetts)

Ergosuture aims to improve deep-tissue suturing with its first product, Drive’N Roll. This handheld device uses rollers to grip the needle at the tip of the device. As such, sutures can be placed in any direction. In addition to allowing for minimally invasive suturing, surgeons can learn to operate the Drive’N Roll more easily than other handheld devices. Ultimately, the device makes suturing less expensive than robotic-assisted suturing. Moreover, their device is easy to maneuver, less strenuous to use, and faster than suturing by hand. View SeedSprint profile.

(3) Vixiar Medical (Focus: Cardiovascular; Based in Baltimore, Maryland)

Johns Hopkins spinout, Vixiar Medical, is developing a non-invasive, point-of-care system to monitor heart disease. The system consists of a device paired with a mobile app. The Vixiar Indicor utilizes a finger photoplethysmography sensor to determine intrathoracic volume by measuring pulse response to the Valsalva maneuver. Since pulse response changes in patients before more obvious symptoms appear, the company hopes to detect changes in cardiac health earlier. This way, the treating physician can make more informed decisions for patients with cardiopulmonary disease. So far, this technology has been tested in multiple clinical studies with promising results. View SeedSprint profile.

(4) Jogo Health (Focus: Digital Health, Orthopedics; Based in Bridgewater, New Jersey)

Jogo Health bridges cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality with physiotherapy through its wearable and connected mobile app. The technology takes advantage of neuroplasticity to rewire the brain to strengthen muscles and reduce pain. The company’s digital treatments can be used to treat neuromuscular conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and chronic pain. Currently, Jogo Health is developing and commercializing several digital therapeutics that treat these conditions and more. View SeedSprint profile.

(5) OtoNexus Medical Technologies (Focus: Otology; Based in Seattle, Washington) 

OtoNexus Medical Technologies is revolutionizing the way that middle ear infections are diagnosed with its proprietary ultrasound otoscope. The scope uses Doppler ultrasound which works through the air, rather than a gel. The device collects and analyzes quantitative data on the fluid in the middle ear. This new data then allows physicians to accurately differentiate between viral and bacterial infections. Thus, the doctor can reduce the number of antibiotic prescriptions to only cases where they are necessary. In the end, these improvements to diagnosis decrease health care costs and the over-prescription of antibiotics. View SeedSprint profile.

(6) ThermopeutiX (Focus: Cardiovascular; Based in Poway, California)

ThermopeutiX specializes in catheter devices for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases. The company’s TwinFlo catheter can transform the way an acute stroke is treated by inducing selective hypothermia. The device provides rapid cooling targeted regionally to the brain rather than the entire body. In the end, this rapid cooling provides neuroprotection from hypoxic damage. Further, it does so without side effects that may result from total-body hypothermia. In addition to delivering this quick and selective temperature change, ThermopeutiX’s TwinFlo Catheter can be used to simultaneously deliver therapeutics and diagnostic elements to the brain during the intervention. View SeedSprint profile.

These emerging medtech companies are uniquely poised to drastically improve patient care and health. They represent just a few of the many startups moving the field of medtech forward. Keep your eye out for future installments of Emerging Technology Companies Profiled on SeedSprint and discover more innovative startups with us!

The post 6 Emerging medtech companies profiled on SeedSprint appeared first on seedsprint.

Clean energy is quite the buzzword these days…but what does it mean? Further, how is it different from energy sources like oil and gas? Read on to learn more about this exciting technology area and some of the emerging clean energy companies you’ll find on SeedSprint!

Clean energy vs. fossil fuels

The majority of the world’s energy comes from the carbon-rich deposits we now call fossil fuels. Fossil fuels include coal, natural gas, and oil. Together, they supply about 80 percent of the world’s energy.

When they are burned, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, these greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere. This buildup causes global temperatures to rise. In the end, burning fossil fuels contributes to environmental damage and climate change.

Further, fossil fuels are non-renewable. As we continue to use them, they run out. By contrast, clean energy recycles the earth’s resources.

Clean, green, sustainable, and renewable

Many people use terms like clean energy, green energy, sustainable energy, and renewable energy interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between these terms.

• Clean Energy is derived from sources and methods that minimize the production of greenhouse gases like carbon.
• Green Energy is derived from natural sources. It minimizes the production of environmental pollutants like carbon.
• Sustainable Energy is derived from sources that will theoretically be able to produce power far into the future.
• Renewable Energy is derived from naturally replenishing sources, such as biofuels.

Around the world, people and companies continue to adopt new power sources. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, sustainable energy will account for half of our global energy mix by 2030.

Here are a few of the pioneering clean energy startups profiled on SeedSprint. With their technology, they are working hard to help us meet our growing power demands.

(1) SAFCell (Pasadena, CA, USA)

SAFCell has developed a novel solid acid technology that can be used in fuel cells and hydrogen generators. Using electrocatalytic reactions, the company’s SAFCell stacks convert liquid fuels into electrical energy or hydrogen. The stacks also help minimize carbon emissions. The technology also has several advantages. For example, it can metabolize a variety of different types of fuel. Further, it operates at moderate temperatures is relatively inexpensive. View SeedSprint profile.

(2) Active Energy Systems (Knoxville, TN, USA)

Active Energy Systems’ novel ice thermal storage system makes air conditioning more energy-efficient. The company’s Ice Chiller leverages Icephobic Heat Exchange technology. This innovation repels ice from the cooling surface. This prevents insulating ice from building up. In the end, it cools large spaces at a low cost. View SeedSprint profile.

(3) b.fab (Dortmund, Germany)

b.fab’s proprietary bioproduction platform converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into value-added chemicals and biofuels. The company produces formic acid from readily available carbon and hydrogen. From there, aerobic or anaerobic microbes convert the formic acid into chemicals. This process is both sustainable and cost-effective. View SeedSprint profile.

(4) 247Solar (Great Falls, VA, USA)

247Solar generates power by heating air to activate microturbines. Any additional heat that is produced is then stored for later use. 247Solar’s solutions can also store energy and generate power in solar, wind, or industrial settings. Ultimately, 247Solar fills the gap between solar energy production and consumption. View SeedSprint profile.

(5) Ionomr Innovations (Vancouver, Canada)

Ion exchange materials are vital to the operation of many clean energy technologies. Unfortunately, many of the traditional materials used contain toxic fluorine. That’s where Ionomr comes in. The company is commercializing a range of novel ion-exchange membranes and polymers. From fuel cells to hydrogen production systems, Ionomr has got you covered. View SeedSprint profile.

Sustainability and innovation

Curious about the impact of sustainability on innovation? Check out our past blog posts on green chemistry technologies, Microsoft’s climate pledge, or General Motors’ commitment to becoming carbon-neutral. Stay tuned for future installments of ‘Emerging technology startups profiled on SeedSprint.” Catch you next time!

The post 5 Clean energy startups profiled on SeedSprint appeared first on seedsprint.

In late May, the SeedSprint team attended the 2021 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition (TNVC). The competition is held annually and is hosted by Texas A&M Innovation Partners and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. 

This year’s finals event showcased 6 innovative startups. The companies ranged in technology area from MedTech to Life Science to Computer Science and were chosen from 20 semi-finalists. The winners secured non-dilutive funding and prizes from the competition sponsors. Read on to learn more about this year’s finalists!

(1) Ictero Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

Ictero Medical is commercializing a safe and effective method to treat gallstones non-surgically. The company’s CholeSafe system is a minimally invasive cryoablation device. This catheter-based system treats gallstones in place of surgery. This system reduces recurrent stone formation and improves recovery. At present, the company is refining its prototype and conducting animal trials.

(2) CodeWalker (Technology Area: Computer Science)

CodeWalker has developed a software tool that creates a three-dimensional map of source code. This tool allows for easy visualization of algorithms. It helps developers identify inefficiencies and errors. The company’s application is language agnostic. Additionally, it can work with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The tool is available to both consumers and organizations.

(3) MicroSilicon (Technology Area: Sensors)

MicroSilicon developed a novel system for asphaltene monitoring of oil recovery using quantum radio frequency sensors. These sensors monitor asphaltene aggregation and send measurements directly to the cloud. From there, the system analyzes the measurements using AI. The technology is currently being field-tested. MicroSilicon’s vision is to expand its technology to monitor additional oil recovery issues such as corrosion.

(4) Starling Medical (Technology Area: MedTech)

SeedSprint member, Starling Medical, is tackling Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction with its new UrinControl System. The device replaces constant self-catheterization with a once-a-month catheter. Further, the device integrates with Startling’s mobile, AI-powered telehealth monitoring service. The company seeks to improve the lives of its patients by reducing the amount of self-catheterization needed. Startling also aims to decrease the cost of equipment used to monitor urinary health and treat bladder dysfunction. Currently, Starling Medical is developing a prototype for its UrinControl System and training its AI diagnostic platform. The company hopes to begin animal studies soon.

(5) Koda Health (Technology Area: MedTech)

Koda Health makes end-of-life care decisions easier and empowers patients through its online platform. The platform guides patients through the creation of advanced directives and medical power of attorney documentation. Koda’s online application aims to stimulate value-based discussions of care early on. They also educate patients on treatment preferences and help improve outcomes for end-of-life care.

(6) Vitanova Biomedical (Technology Area: Life Science)

Vitanova Biomedical’s goal is to treat cancer without common chemotherapy side effects. The company developed a system that contains a targeted pH-disrupting drug that is activated by infrared light. The light activates the process of intracellular acidosis within tumors. Recently, Vitanova obtained promising results in a variety of cancers both in vitro and in animal models. Currently, the company is focused on commercializing its prostate cancer therapy.

Congratulations to all the TNVC finalists and semi-finalists! The Texas innovation ecosystem is certainly one to keep an eye on.

The post From MedTech to Computer Science: The 2021 Texas A&M New Ventures Competition appeared first on seedsprint.

Over the last two decades, the toxicity of hundreds of pesticides in the United States doubled for pollinators and other species that contribute to ecological balance. Pesticides are meant to protect crops from harmful pests. However, they can end up doing more harm than good.

As environmental sustainability becomes an increasingly important issue, more and more companies aim to offer healthier and more sustainable solutions. 

Paving the way to safer crop protection strategies

Part of the 500 FoodTech companies to watch by Forward Fooding, ClearLeaf is a Costa Rica-based startup. The company develops sustainable crop protection strategies. Through these strategies, ClearLeaf aims to protect the environment and optimize farmers’ profits.

As a nation, Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability. More recently, the country has experienced rapid growth in technology innovation, especially in the life sciences.

ClearLeaf’s mission is to treat plants as carefully as we would with our skin. It’s a valuable approach since traditionally, pest control can lead to a number of long-term problems. For example, pest control methods can weaken soil, cause environmental destruction, and cause health problems for workers and consumers.

ClearLeaf’s solution to these problems is a line of non-toxic contact-action liquid emulsions that enhance plant growth while simultaneously managing pests.

Emerging into the Global Market

Recently, ClearLeaf’s flagship GotaBlanca® product obtained a certificate of conformity to the Europe Union Organic Standard. At the same time, the company raised a $500,000 Seed Round. Now, ClearLeaf is beginning to raise a Seed Plus Round of $2.5 million.

“We are also in the process of moving our headquarters into the US to facilitate growth into that market, better also for IP protection and lastly, be closer to our new investors and strategic partners,” says Nestor Zuniga, ClearLeaf’s Managing Director.

In other news, the company secured a broad distribution agreement with one of the largest agrochemicals distributors in Costa Rica and Central America.

“We are proud to open this new chapter for ClearLeaf. We already have interested investors for this Seed Plus Round and are open to hearing from more, to go forward with the development of our Company and our vision for safe and sustainable agriculture,” says Zuniga.

Growth for Startups

As startups like ClearLeaf emerge into the market, they often face new challenges. Some of the most common challenges can include scaling production capabilities, gaining access to new markets, and securing funding to fuel continued growth.

The SeedSprint platform puts emerging technology startups, technology commercialization staff, and industry tech scouts from all over the world directly in touch.

New to our blog? Stay tuned for more news on emerging technologies and open innovation. To keep up with the latest, sign up for our newsletter!

The post SeedSprint member, ClearLeaf, advances sustainable crop protection appeared first on seedsprint.

At Seedsprint, we’re always on the lookout for new Covid-19-fighting technologies. In the past, we’ve written about how scientists, engineers, and innovators shifted their focus to solving pressing global health issues over the past year due to the pandemic. Just last week, we posted about one of our member startups, Nanolayr (formerly Revolution Fibres). Nanolayr makes nanofibers that are used in protective face masks and other applications. The company recently invested in a new testing machine to test their nanofibers. Pretty cool!

The Covid-19 Task Force and The Commons Project

Last week, Betaworks Studios in New York City hosted the Covid-19 Technology Task Force and The Commons Project for a virtual event called “Using Technology to Prove Covid-19 Test & Vaccination Status.” We had the opportunity to hear Andrew McLaughlin, co-chair of the Covid-19 Tech Task Force, lead a conversation with Paul Meyer, JP Pollak, and Brad Perkins of The Commons Project. 

As vaccine rollouts continue around the world, the next major hurdle is validating Covid-19 testing and vaccination status. Read on to learn more about the latest tech helping us track, manage, and protect against the disease.

Tracking Covid-19 testing and vaccination status

The Commons Project was founded as a non-profit organization in 2019. The project’s mission is to build global-scale digital infrastructure between tech companies, governments, and non-profits. The project initially began by developing the Android equivalent of Apple Health. Most recently, however, the organization has been working on digital vaccine passports. 

The Commons Project’s CommonPass empowers individuals to share their health information. Its Smart Card technology utilizes the SMART on FHIR API to securely access information from healthcare providers. As electronic health records become increasingly important in our healthcare system, this type of technology is in high demand. In the near future, it may help individuals resume air travel, cross borders, and attend sporting events and entertainment venues.  

Most recently, CommonHealth partnered with health insurance providers like Cigna and airlines like JetBlue and Lufthansa. These companies recognize the value of seamlessly accessing customer’s health information.  

Covid-19 and electronic health records

Are you a startup looking to innovate within the electronic health record space? You may be interested in the open-source SMART Health Cards Framework and specifications, which were developed by the Vaccination Credential Initiative.

Around the world, innovative, tech-driven solutions are helping to curb the pandemic and guide safe reopening protocols. Check out our past post on 9 startups on SeedSprint focused on applying their technology to combating the COVID-19 pandemic to learn more about this topic. We also recommend our post on how the pandemic has changed the tech transfer landscape. Stay tuned for more innovative solutions to stopping the spread of Covid-19 and preventing future pandemics.

The post The Commons Project: technology for tracking Covid-19 test and vaccination status appeared first on seedsprint.

In the Spring of 2020, Covid-19 suddenly changed our lives and the ways we interact with each other. However, over the past year or so, many new technologies were rapidly introduced to combat these challenges. SeedSprint member, NanoLayr (formerly Revolution Fibres), is at the forefront of this battle. They are protecting frontline workers through their innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) technology.   

NanoLayr Invests in PALAS Testing Machine to Fight the Spread of Covid-19 

NanoLayr is a New Zealand-based nanofiber company that we have featured previously on the blog. The company recently made a significant investment in a PALAS testing machine to enhance the development and performance of its filtration media. The PALAS PMFT 1000 testing rig is one of the world’s leading machines in testing masks for their ability to filter particles, bacteria, and viruses such as Covid-19. Over the course of the pandemic, PALAS has been providing many hospitals with the ability to test the protective masks they use. This effort has helped to contain the spread and protect frontline workers.  

Instantaneous Testing Improves Efficiency in Mask Production 

As many of us know, Covid-19 spreads easily from person to person. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, spreads more efficiently than influenza in current studies. Since it most commonly spreads through close contact, especially through respiratory droplets and through airborne transmission, authentic PPE levels are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.

Ray Connor, NanoLayr’s CEO, says the PALAS testing machine is key to advancing the performance of its FilterLayr nanofibre filter media product. The FilterLayr filter media is used in face masks that meet and exceed N95 and N99 standards. “The PALAS enables us to test face masks to ensure they meet required standards and properly protect people and health workers who are on the frontline of the pandemic in New Zealand and around the world,” says Connor.

PALAS allows NanoLayr to test its filters instantly at required international standards. In the past, the company had to send the material overseas to be tested. The testing rig can evaluate respiratory masks more effectively than standard testing with an exact analysis of filter mask efficiency for SARS-CoV-2 (size approx. 120 nm up to 160 nm). When the products are ready to take to market, they are sent to a third-party testing lab for certification.  

Nanofibre filters are the future of COVID-19 Protection Equipment 

The PALAS testing machine has played an instrumental role in the advancement of filter media with added functionality, including anti-microbial properties. The diameters of nanofibre range from 10-300 nanometres, which is 10-100 times smaller than conventional melt-blown microfibres.

Dr. Gareth Beckermann, Technical Manager at NanoLayr, says “Nanofiber filter media is very effective in protecting against viruses such as Covid, bacteria and other toxic particles which can be just 100 nanometres. Our nanofibre filter media can trap 99% of microscopic particles such as spores, allergens, and bacteria.”

Nanofiber is also recognized as a more breathable fabric available for filter media. This feature makes it a more comfortable and effective way to protect against Covid-19.

NanoLayr supplies filtration media to multiple overseas face mask manufacturers, such as HALO in the US. They also supply media to HVAC systems, including leading New Zealand home solutions company HRV. The PALAS machine is one of the many ways NanoLayr is working to meet high international demand for their products.  

Companies like NanoLayr are bringing increasingly effective products to market to protect individuals from Covid-19. As we all adjust to this virus, even more solutions will be introduced. Keep an eye out for more posts from SeedSprint on emerging technologies! 

The post NanoLayr advances face mask safety with new testing machine appeared first on seedsprint.

Last week, we attended the second round of the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition: Accelerate. Accelerate is the second of three rounds of a pitch competition hosted by MIT each winter. As part of the event, ten startup finalists present their technologies in a 90-second pitch.

This year, the showcase was hosted via Zoom. Read on to learn about this year’s finalists!

(1) Candelytics (Technology area: Aerospace and Defense)

Candelytics is a 3D analytics and LiDAR startup that has partnered with a Department of Defense research lab to change how maritime law enforcement is conducted. Drawing from extensive experience in military and engineering, Candelytics uses 3D visualization and object recognition to search for illegal drugs, weapons, and human trafficking activities. 

(2) Floe (Technology area: Energy & Environmental)

Floe is a cleantech startup that is building a smart solution to damaging ice dams. The company’s machine learning IoT deicer system uses environmentally-friendly, non-toxic antifreeze fluid to efficiently remove ice from buildings. Additionally, the platform’s IoT system collects year-round data. This data can then be sold to companies seeking longitudinal trends to maintain their facilities more efficiently. 

(3) Gaia AI (Technology area: Energy & Environmental)

Gaia AI uses solar-powered autonomous drones to tackle climate change. The company has developed drones that plant AI-powered germination pods that promote reforestation and carbon sequestration. These drones enable LiDAR-powered computer vision to provide valuable insights that can help create intelligently designed forests. 

(4) Go-Aut (Technology area: MedTech)

Go-Aut is a digital health platform that supports children with developmental disabilities. The platform’s online assessment helps primary care providers detect developmental disorders in children before the age of 3. By combining familial and environmental risk factors with a child’s progress on cognitive functioning tests, Go-Aut empowers parents and physicians to support children as early as possible.

(5) Harvest (Technology area: Fintech)

Harvest is an online platform that is revolutionizing the loan industry. The platform groups loan-seekers into homogenous groups such as “law students” or “medical students.” Using these groupings, students can regain collective bargaining power in student loan negotiations. This eBay-style bidding model simplifies the communication process between groups and lenders to support a new way of borrowing money. 

(6) Human Dynamics (Technology area: Computer Science & Robotics)

Human Dynamics is building automated solutions to tackle sanitation demands in the food manufacturing industry. Combining LiDAR, thermal scanning, and machine learning, the company has developed engineered drone robots that reduce our reliance on human labor. This solution offers a faster and cheaper solution to food sanitfation.

(7) KANO (Technology area: Life Science)

KANO addresses the major manufacturing bottleneck in the production of cell and gene therapies by engineering mass DNA production processes. Using phages and bacteria as ssDNA biofactories, KANO facilitates the scaling of innovative nucleic-acid-based therapies.

(8) Osmoses (Technology area: Energy & Environmental)

Osmoses is developing a membrane technology for the industrial separation of water and natural gases. The company uses molecular filters to replace existing energy-intensive separation methods. This method provides a cleaner solution that simultaneously purifies natural gas and captures carbon to tackle climate change.

(9) Project Prana (Technology area: MedTech)

Project Prana is an emerging medical device startup that is committed to expanding emergency ventilation capacity. Their primary product, iSAVE, can be retrofitted onto existing ventilators to support the personalized treatment of two patients simultaneously. They also have a remote monitoring app that provides ICUs with individualized data for each patient. This solution provides a much-needed safe and reliable solution to the global ventilator shortage, which has been especially prevalent during the Covid-19 crisis.

(10) ProtectEd (Technology area: Aerospace and Defense)

ProtectEd builds bookcases that provide critical protection against violent attacks in a matter of seconds. Their patented bookcase design easily locks into place in front of the doors to classrooms, government buildings, or religious institutions and can provide a physical and ballistic barrier in the event of a violent attack. The bookcase is a simple and easy-to-use solution to provide security without a fear-invoking militarized appearance. 

The competition at this year’s Accelerate was fierce! In the end, Go-Aut won the $10K Audience Choice Award. Meanwhile, Candalytics, Human Dynamics, and Go-Aut made it to the final stage of the MIT $100K Competition, Launch.

Launch will take place later this spring. Then, the first-place team will win the coveted $100K prize. Stay tuned!

Interested in learning about more emerging technologies in a specific technology area? Check out some of our past blog posts on topics like Chemical and Materials, Biopharma, MedTech, Green Chemistry, and Cross-Sector Technologies aiding in the fight against Covid-19!

The post Dispatches from the MIT $100K Pitch Competition: Round 2 appeared first on seedsprint.